As We Wait

Titus 1:16
They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

In that passage of scripture, Paul is writing to Titus about the mere talkers and deceivers (vs 10); the people who don't live what out what they believe. These people had heard all about Jesus and His mercy and grace, but yet they still clung to their worldly passions. According to Paul they were "unfit for doing anything good." They were undisciplined and were not training themselves to be more like Christ.
When we first become a Christian, our sin doesn't just magically disappear. It is a gradual process to cleanse yourself of sin. Unfortunately, that sin will never completely be gone until we get to Heaven. My point is that we are all in the process of being transformed more into the likeness of Christ. We are training our bodies to run the race set before us. In order to be ready to run this race, we have to discipline ourselves. One of the things most forgotten by Christians is that we are sinful and undeserving and we continually have to make an effort to be more like Jesus.

Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age...

We have to say no to that sin in our life. We have to do as much as we possibly can to rid ourselves of everything that displeases God. He teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness. God will never ask you to give anything up for Him that isn't for your good. So if God is convicting you of sin in your life, don't wait to give it up. All that sin does is hinder your relationship with Christ.

Titus 2:13-14
...while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Jesus has redeemed and purified us from our sin! We are His very own. Be eager to live a life that brings Him all the honor and glory. As we await the glorious appearing of our very own Savior, remove from yourself everything that is a stumbling block in your relationship with Him!

In His Love,
Jessica